CPR Certification Manual: Introduction

WHAT CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) MEANS

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique of providing compressions and ventilations to a victim of cardiac arrest. Conventional CPR involves both chest compressions and rescue breaths, and is associated with increased survival and favorable neurologic outcomes.

HOW CHEST COMPRESSIONS & VENTILATIONS WORK

CPR works by rescuers providing chest compressions and ventilations to maximize blood and oxygen saturation to vital organs in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Continuous chest compressions are crucial in maximizing blood flow and oxygen saturation during CPR. If CPR is administered within the first 3-5 minutes, it significantly increases survivability after a SCA by providing crucial blood flow and oxygen to the heart and brain. Compression-only CPR (COCPR) is an effective alternative for lay rescuers in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest situations.

WHY CPR MATTERS IN CARDIAC ARREST

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year—that’s 1 in every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.” Heart disease is also the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths each year. In addition to heart disease, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can result from respiratory causes such as drowning or from a direct impact to the chest, known as commotio cordis. Unfortunately, these events can also occur in children and infants. Immediate CPR is critical for increasing the chances of survival following cardiac arrest. Activating the emergency response system is also a vital component in effectively managing cardiac arrest situations.